8 Questions about Therapy You Have Been Scared to Ask
We have been talking about how to find a therapist in the Greater Philadelphia Metro Area and now we are following up with the top questions everyone wants to know but are afraid to ask their potential therapist.
Making the decision to seek therapy is a big investment that challenges old beliefs around what it means to be supported. Given the fact that you will be working with someone whom you have never met before, it is only right that you are curious about them. The reality is that your potential therapist is like an onion with many layers. Therefore, while they are here to support and guide you, you also want to make sure you are clear and confident about who you are working with.
After being in private practice for the last two years and working as a therapist, here are some common questions clients are typically wondering but may not ask.
How long does therapy take?
It Depends. People come to therapy with different presenting problems. Two people who may have had similar lived experiences will experience therapy differently than the other which has a lot to do with their attachment, personality, emotional wellbeing, relational support, etc.
A good rule of thumb is anywhere from three months to eighteen months but it can be longer given different life events.
How do I know if my therapist is legit? I see sooo many letters after the names. What do they mean?
All therapists must have a master’s degree from some kind of counseling training program. You should research their credentials and make sure they align with what you are seeking.
Therapists range from PsyD, LPC, LCSW, and LMFT. Each counseling program teaches similar fundamentals but the approach of the practitioner may be different. The most important thing is for you to be compatible with the therapist you are working with.
Why is it that the therapists I like are always booked?
Most therapists are solo practitioners which means they are the primary clinician in their practice. On average, a practitioner can see up to 20-25 clients per week. As therapists work on growing their solo practice to a group practice, they will be able to take on more clients who are being serviced by clinicians who they train.
Inquire about a waitlist if you are sure the therapist you are looking into is the right one for you.
Make sure you stay on their email list because there may be opportunities to work with the therapist that they only send to their email list. You want to be in the know.
Why is it that the therapists I like don't take insurance?
Therapists do not take insurance for a number of reasons. One of the most common reasons is related to the restriction on the number of sessions a client can have. Most therapists have an issue with this because there is NO standard number of sessions that equates to an individual being healed from their mental health issues.
Most therapists are likely to give their clients a superbill which can be submitted to the insurance company for reimbursement. However, most therapists will not check with the insurance company to see what the reimbursement rate is for clients (this is something you will have to do yourself).
*Read more about reimbursement here
What happens if I see my therapist in public?
Ideally nothing. Your therapist is human and most likely engages in social activities, shop at the local grocery store, and lives in the community.
If you see them but they don’t see you, you can make a mental note that you see them but don’t be weird and watch them the entire time you are sharing space with them.
If you see them and they see you, your therapist may give you leadway to decide if you want to acknowledge them. Do not feel bad if you don't acknowledge them. As a therapist, we get it…clients may not want to draw attention to themselves or you.
What should I do if I don't like something my therapist said or did?
First, this is a good time to use the tools you have been developing in therapy. Take some time to reflect on what was said or done that triggered you in an uncomfortable manner. Once you have clarity about your issue, jot down some talking points to use in the next session.
During the conversation, bring up your concern. Leave room for your therapist to explain themselves. Assess how the explanation makes you feel. As you process the issue, there should be clarity on both sides as to what happened and how to continue building the relationship from a place of mutual respect.
What if I no longer want to work with my therapist?
There are a few things you can do to process for yourself why you do not want to work with your therapist anymore.
Look at your attendance history- have you been missing more sessions?
Reflect on your progress- this is a good time to review the goals you initially had when you started therapy and assess whether or not you have grown from that place
Assess other supports- what supports do you have in place that have been assisting with your overall growth and development?
Consider what you need now- what m
ight you replace the time you were using for therapy with?
How should I break up with my therapist?
Depending on your frequency of sessions, you should communicate with your therapist prior to the session (which can be via email) where you are informing them of your decision along with a possible date for ending the treatment.
You can let your therapist know in session and discuss with them a plan for the final session.
Come prepared with feedback about your therapeutic process. Some therapists will facilitate an exit session while others may send a survey. Remember, all feedback is helpful for the therapist and the next person they support.
We hope this helps you find the right therapist in the Greater Philadelphia Metro Area. If you are still feeling stuck, feel free to email us at Admin@dahliarosewellness.com for a free 15 minute phone consultation. We’d be happy to hear about what is happening and help direct you to the right person. If you are looking for help with managing shame and guilt in order to live a life you are wildly obsessed with, you can read more about how we can help here.